Abstract 718: Stomach cancer patient advocacy and education: Bridging the gap in disparity
Authors: Aki A. Smith
Journal: Cancer Research (2023)

Abstract Hope for Stomach Cancer is the nation’s leading stomach cancer awareness and support organization. HOPE is the bridge connecting stakeholders to improve stomach cancer outcomes through support, solutions, and synergy. We provide valuable services, including monthly webinars with oncologists who discuss stomach cancer developments; support groups between oncologists and patients, families, and caregivers that allow for candid dialogue without confusing technical jargon; a website that is both an educational resource for care management and self-empowerment, and an interactive tool for the medical community to engage within the community and to identify grant and conference opportunities; informative and timely e-newsletters; stories of hope from within our community; and an engaging presence on social media outlets. We also participate in a number of medical community gastric cancer conferences and professional networking events. All of our programs and services are provided at no cost and are accessible to all. Founded in 2016, HOPE serves 30,000 patients each year. More than half of our patients appear to be from underrepresented communities. They express gratitude for the trust and safety they experience within HOPE, in particular contrast to what they face in the medical community. Based on their medical support options, we estimate the majority of our patients are low-to-middle income. We have seen an alarming increase in the number of young adults (below age 40) who are seeking help from HOPE. Most of the patients reaching out to HOPE are in the advanced stages of their disease, and the outcome is bleak. These patients depend on HOPE’s programs and services to help them navigate the overwhelming obstacles of diagnosis, treatment, and support. We continue to offer solutions to problems such as access to care, health equity, and systemic health disparity through educational resources and self-navigational guides. Our resources are aimed to close these gaps and address the unmet needs. We are committed to provide education, awareness, and support to our stomach cancer community to bridge the gap between research and patient care. Our programs and awareness campaigns are specifically designed to address these systemic health disparities and bring diversity into clinical trials because everyone deserves appropriate care. HOPE has grown into a fiscally-responsible nonprofit that participates on the national and international stage to advance research, advocate for improved access and care, and support patients and families with programs and services. A day doesn’t go by without us being reminded of the work still to be done. This disease is deadly - and it doesn’t have to be. With early detection and prevention, and the advancement of treatment options, people’s lives would be saved and families would be able to celebrate many years together. Citation Format: Aki A. Smith. Stomach cancer patient advocacy and education: Bridging the gap in disparity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 718.